Temple University Athletics
Adversity 101: The Story of Alex Jackson
8.21.13 | Football
Senior Alex Jackson is Temple's noninee for the Discover Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award.Â
by Cathy Bongiovi, Athletic Communications
Senior Alex Jackson isn't afraid to share his story. He knows what finding the right people in his life has meant to his well-being and his survival.
The son of a single mother who abused drugs, Jackson took care of himself and his sister as youngsters. Well, until he got into trouble ... big trouble.Â
By age 11 he had spent time in juvenile detention, and the outlook for his life was dim. He was living in squander, hanging out with the wrong kids, and failing in school.
Luckily his sixth-grade teacher was paying attention. Thanks to her research and assistance, Jackson and his sister were placed into foster care.
But his first few foster homes did not provide a better life. Abuse and neglect followed until Jackson realized what he wanted— he wanted a better life.
By the time he reached seventh grade, Jackson made a commitment to himself to do better. He would study, he would pass his classes, he would survive the past, and he would march on into a better future.
Help came with his final foster family— the Patterson family— that officially adopted him at age 16. Since Jackson joined their household, he completely turned his life around.
Oh, and then there is football.Â
A four-year letterwinner in basketball at Dunnellon High School (Fla.), Jackson didn't play football until his senior season. Suiting up at defensive end, he finished the season with 45 tackles and eight sacks.
But the Honor Roll student and team MVP in basketball wanted to play college football. He was recruited by Al Golden and signed a National Letter of Intent with Temple in February 2008, but he needed to go to prep school first.
Jackson spent the 2008 season at Milford Academy in New York where he learned to play tight end under coach Bill Chaplick. He enrolled at Temple in January 2009 and has since flourished.
During his career as an Owl, Jackson has played under three different coaching staffs in three different conferences. With a few weeks to go until his final season of donning the Cherry & White, he switched from tight end back to defensive end.Â
Most players think that is adversity.Â
Jackson knows better.
"Coach Rhule asked me was I willing to change my position with only a few weeks left before camp, I told him I will do whatever he needs me to do in order to help the team win," Jackson shared.
"Alex is just a tremendous athlete," said first-year head coach Matt Rhule. "I believe in him as a player."
Jackson enters the fall 2013, his final season of eligibility, as a graduate student. In May, he received his bachelor's degree in communications, the first in his family to receive a college degree.
All of his hard work was recognized during the Athletic Department's annual banquet last spring. Jackson was the recipient of the 2013 Diamond in the Rough Award recipient, given to a student-athlete who has made substantial grade improvements throughout his academic career.Â
The senior, who has played in 30 games at tight end at Temple, was named the most improved offensive player following 2011 spring drills.
For Alex Jackson, football is not an obstacle; it is a lifeline. He has proven that hard work, determination, and the right love and support can help anyone achieve his goals.
